Catcher in the Rye

             In all works of literature, an author will often use symbols to express a meaning into a deeper understanding of the work. .
             In the novel, The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger, symbolism is used throughout the book. One of the many incidents is when Holden Caufeild, the main character and also the protagonist, is in much despair when he looses his girlfriend, so he decides to read a passage from the bible. Holden was feeling alone and very lonely at this point, and had no one to turn back on, until he read the bible. Holden found himself in a bad situation and worked through the obstacles to overcome happiness. Happiness is what Salinger in striving for in his novels, and uses religion as a symbol. The bible gave Holden a sense of comfort and a bit more happiness.
             In the novel, The Pearl by John Steinbeck, the pearl itself is very symbolic. Since it's a pearl, you would think that would have great importance, but instead bad things keep happening. Kino wanted to sell the pearl and use the money to better his family's standard of living. He had dreams and goals that all depended on the pearl. When Juana .
             wanted to destroy the pearl, Kino beat her unmercifully. You get a deeper understanding that the pearl holds great evil.
             A symbol contributes an understanding to a deeper, more meaningful piece of work. Symbolism is every type of literature and gives an author the chance to express himself in a deeper way.